Louisa Adams First Spouse Coin and Medal Available May 29

WASHINGTON – In honor of Louisa Adams, the Nation’s sixth First Lady, the United States Mint will release a ½-ounce 24-karat gold coin bearing her image at 12 noon (ET) on May 29, 2008. The Louisa Adams First Spouse Gold Coin will be available in proof and uncirculated versions priced at $619.95 and $599.95, respectively. The mintage limit is set at 40,000 across both product options. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins produced.

Orders for the Louisa Adams First Spouse Gold Coin will be limited to one per product option per household for the first week of sales. The United States Mint will reevaluate this limit following the initial sales period and either extend, adjust or eliminate it.

Bronze medals bearing the likeness of the coin also will be available for $3.50. There is no mintage or order limit for this option.

It could not have been easy for Louisa Catherine Adams, wife of our Nation’s sixth President, John Quincy Adams, to follow in the footsteps of her esteemed mother-in-law and former First Lady Abigail Adams. Despite her predecessor’s legacy, however, Louisa-an accomplished musician, hostess and writer on the subjects of women’s rights and abolitionism-managed to make her mark in Washington society and in political circles. Louisa staunchly supported her husband’s career and was invaluable in furthering his initiatives.

The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Louisa Adams designed by Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill. Inscriptions on the coin are “Louisa Adams” and “1825-1829,” the years she served as First Spouse. Additional inscriptions on the coin’s obverse include “In God We Trust,” “Liberty” and “2008.”

The reverse of the Louisa Adams First Spouse Gold Coin was designed by Artistic Infusion Program Associate Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers. The image depicts Louisa Adams with her young son Charles as they embark on an arduous journey across Europe to join her husband in Paris. The reverse was designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna. Inscriptions are “United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “$10,” “1/2 oz.” and “.9999 Fine Gold.”

To view or download an image of the Louisa Adams First Spouse Gold Coin, go to: http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=Photo#2008Spouse

Customers who are interested in adding the Louisa Adams First Spouse Gold Coin and Medal to their collections may place their orders at the United States Mint’s secure Web site, www.usmint.gov, or at the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be applied to all domestic orders.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of noon (ET) May 29 shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Answer ID #175.